People who have symptoms of COVID-19 infection who has been tested must stay in quarantine until they are shown not to be infected with the novel coronavirus that causes the disease, SARS-CoV-19, Public Health – Seattle & King County has ordered.
Symptoms of coronavirus infection include fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing.
Those found to be infected must then follow strict isolation protocols at home or at a recovery facility until no longer infectious, the order signed by the agency’s health officer Dr. Jeff Duchin reads.
Isolation protocols include:
- Staying in a “sick room” if possible
- Using a separate bathroom, if available
- Cleaning all “high-touch surfaces every day, such as doorknobs, light switches, faucets and counter tops.
- Avoiding sharing personal household items such as towels and kitchen utensils, and
- Covering coughs and sneezes and washing hand often.
Duchin said the action was necessary to prevent the spread of the disease.
“Each of us need to do whatever we can to prevent others from becoming ill. Everyone—young and old, whether you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or not—should stay home and avoid all non-essential contact with others,” he said.
People who ignore the order will be subject to legal action, including involuntary detention.
The full text of the order that includes specific instructions for those with symptoms and those who test positive for the infection can be found on the Public Health – Seattle & King County’s COVID-19 website.
